Category: Wasy to Refocus Your Business

“I push to the limits, I climb every wall. I keep on believing that anything’s possible.” – Lea Michele

Great lyrics to a song by Lea Michele. The opening lines are very meaningful to me in regards to the last seven years of running my own company. We push to the limits and we believe anything is possible.

The picture posted is Laura Jackson and myself, which seem so long ago, in the first year of launching our company Aesthetics360, LLC. I think I was full of dreams and Laura was cautiously optimistic. I think she was somewhat in shock that we were pushing forward with “rose colored glasses.” But we did it. We pushed, we pulled, we waited and we conquered. So it was no shocker to my family when I decided to launch my second business, or plan B- being an Independent Consultant with Rodan & Fields. If you want to be part of a disrupter, this is a company to definitely look into. But it is not a get rich quick scheme. Just like any business, it is yours to make or break.

In business and in life we take risks. According to Harvard Business Review, “It takes a special kind of courage to be the person who will take calculated risks. People who become good leaders have a greater than average willingness to make bold moves, but they strengthen their chances of success through careful deliberation and preparation.”

If you have ever thought of going into business for yourself, know this:

The road is not filled with instant success, it is tiny wins that happen over and over again. And after a while these wins become the small accomplishments that bring you one step closer to your destination.

You need to set attainable goals. Again, each accomplish will bring you closer to that financial freedom you are looking for.

Don’t ask your family what they think of your new business idea. They will be the first ones to tell you all of the cons. Often this is because they are relying on you for steady income or they are concerned that you might fail and they think they are saving you some grief an aggravation. Either way, leave your family out of it. (just my opinion)

Also know, that being the CEO of you will be the most liberating and terrifying job you have ever had. You will make your own hours and you will work as hard or as little as you want. You will not have to worry about being downsized or passed over for a promotion. The job will be all about what you put into it. And that is they-what you are willing to put into it.

“I am always the most positive person” said no one ever. Because….everyone has “off” days. But you know what is so great about having an “off day?” It is an opportunity to pick yourself back up and be even better the next day. It feels great when you can get out of that funk. The key is to remember that life will hand you “ups and downs” and “obstacles.” The key is to never give up and understand that these obstacles are simply little detours in the road to our destinations. How do you find your way back?

Surround yourself with supportive and amazing people. The key to a great leader is to surround oneself with people who are even greater. Form a united team of friends, family and colleagues.

Remember that everyone has ‘challenges.’ You are not unique in this category. I know it is hard, but it is true. The key to success is in how you address your challenges and work through them.

Help someone else. I always find that when I am having a down day, what can make me feel better is to give some of my time to someone less fortunate or someone who needs a helping hand or an ear to listen.

Learn from your mistakes. Our biggest challenge lies in ‘not’ repeating the same mistakes. Look back on a situation and ask yourself “how could I have handled that differently?” I learned this lesson with age, so maybe I can help someone learn that a little earlier.

Ask for help. There is no shame in asking for some help. Another lesson learned with age. It is not a sign of weakness. it is a sign of strength.

Never give up on your dreams. When you give up on a dream you are giving up on making the most of your amazing gift-life. So use every second of every day to make your dreams a reality. Set your goals and your possibilities are endless.

I am sure you have heard the phrase, “If it seems to good to be true, it probably is.” My generation has grown up hearing that phrase. But today, this is not necessarily the case. More than ever are we seeing growing opportunities for entrepreneurs. Maybe this is because many of us are tired of the “uncertainty” that lies within corporate jobs these days. “Who is going to be the next group to be downsized? ”

Perhaps people are tired of spending half of their day commuting to a job that may pay well, but that is taking them away from family time. “Working for my family but never seeing my family? “ That seems to be a common theme. Perhaps some of us are tired of working ‘our all’ just to help someone else make all the money. Whatever the reason is, there are home based businesses out there that are “tried and true.”

Don’t get me wrong. Success doesn’t happen over night and magically you are making millions. Everything takes practice, dedication and work. But with the proper choice in business and the right attitude, you have no limits. YOU, are entirely up to you.

Usually my blogs do not promote a particular company, but today I want to share a bit about my ‘side gig.’ Why? Because people DO think it is too good to be true and I want to share the gift that has been given to me. I was lucky enough to listen and learn when people pitched ideas to me. I was lucky enough to see the business opportunity in front of me when it was presented. I was able to start a home based business, fully up and running with a website and product for under $1000.00 in five minutes. My only regret is not having started sooner. My slow decision was probably due to the fear of what ‘others might think.’ So when you are looking at something that you think is too good to be true, STOP, THINK, LISTEN…and just maybe you can find your plan B.

Listen to the opportunity-what is 30 minutes out of your day ? It is nothing if you consider you are about to hear about something that may change your life!

Do some research. Ask questions and review the company profile.

Consider the ‘buy in’ and the product. Is there a valid, branded product to stand behind?

Don’t worry about what other people think. If you want to go for it go for it. The only regrets are the chances we never took.

Can you start earning immediately?

Are there policies and procedures?

Do you need to have inventory at home or is it internet based?

Do you need a support team to execute your plan?

These are just a few of the questions I would ask. But in the end, what have you got to lose?I was lucky enough to learn about Rodan & Fields and I have been an Independent consultant for over a year. I have been supplementing my income from where ever I am-at home, on vacation, at my day job and anywhere!. I am running my business from my phone and it is a blast!

My final point, have a BLAST! You need to LOVE what you are doing. I am lucky enough to be having fun while I work this business. And so, as I know “it is entirely up to me” to be a success, I have decided to put more time into this side gig year two. And you know what-I am making money and learning a lot about business. Some of what I learn with my side gig has helped me be even better at my main gig. So, the next time someone presents an opportunity to you that seems ” TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE,” the time has come to take a listen and learn. You may just find your PLAN B!

We become what we do repeatedly. Excellence, therefore is not an act, it is a habit.”
– Aristotle

Speaking at Johnson & Johnson’s India University for Cataract Surgeons.

The title of this blog is not my own quote. In fact, I have heard versions of it all week from different people, but it rings true. Success really doesn’t happen overnight. There is work and thought that goes into attaining your vision.

Interestingly while I was working on my plan for my next blog topic my friend sent me a great business building tool today and the timing could not have been better.

This week I have been focusing my efforts on taking my business to the next level. I have been working on my two year growth plan. How am I going to work on duplication and excellence? Frankly, these plans can be overwhelming, especially when you are “The boss of you!”

Right on the top of the page was this quote I would like to share.
“We become what we do repeatedly. Excellence, therefore is not an act, it is a habit.”
– Aristotle

There it is. Simple. Practical. Realistic.

So my challenge to you in 2018 is to start using this mantra and think of how you can duplicate your habits in a way that will positively affect your business. Maybe this is setting goals for the number of “reach outs” you send a week for your business. Perhaps it is a long term project plan for a new service you will be offering. Or maybe it is just taking the good projects you completed in 2017 and finding a way to do those same projects at a higher volume.

Whatever it is…remember….you can succeed. You will succeed. But you will need to work for it. Good luck In 2018!

Do you ever feel like there is never enough time in the day to accomplish your tasks? “I just can’t add one more thing to my list!” Do you find your list is never ending? That can become a large problem when you start working for yourself. It is easy to have a tendency to over promise in order to get the work . You probably have every intention of following up with your deliverables but maybe your deliverables are unattainable.

When this happens is it is time to reprioritize. You may have a list of current projects but lists are only effective if they help you accomplish your tasks and manage project goals. Here are some tips:

Add no more than 3 items to your daily list of “to do “for that day”

Start with the easier tasks that you can complete quickly, this will give you more time for the others.

Add deadline dates to the additional list items that are in process

Use a visual aid, like a calendar, to view your deadlines by week and month-This will help you view your timeline to see if it is manageable or if it needs to be adjusted.

Set appropriate expectations on completions of work – Don’t automatically tell customers you can have something to them in a week, if you already have multiple projects due at the same time.

Most importantly make time for things that count. It is important to take care of you. Whether that is a 30 minute walk, a trip to the gym or doing the crossword puzzle. You are no good to anyone if you are emotionally drained. Stop and recharge and take care of yourself daily. The tasks will still be there tomorrow!

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